Don’t Cow or Cower

(Proverbs 19:25 KJV)  Smite a scorner, and the simple will beware: and reprove one that hath understanding, and he will understand knowledge.

Two types of people only learn through pain.  You have the “scorner” (scoffer NASB) (3917b).  This Hebrew word is used 19 times in Proverbs, so that attitude of scoffing is a concern.  The words used to get the meaning of this are "arrogant, to be inflated, scorn, boast."  Some people are so centered on themselves and their centrality to the universe that the only way you can get their attention is to inflict some kind of discomfort.  I think the point is that even then they will not really learn and change.  They will simply conform temporarily to avoid the pain.

You also have the “simple” (naive NASB) (6612a).  This word is used 16 times in Proverbs.  These are the people who may be just as selfish as the scorner but they live to avoid conflict.  They refuse to think on their own and are easily cowed into submission.  When they see someone else being punished they are quick to change to avoid a similar fate.

So?  Both of these are personalities that Christians are to abandon.  The beginning of this comes entirely through grace.  God extends the work of the Holy Spirit to regenerate and sanctify.  It continues as we put our willing cooperation into the mix, depending on grace as a source of power.  Do an attitude check and respond accordingly.